Safety signal apparatus for motor vehicles



Sept. 29, 1953 c. RINGWALD SAFETY SIGNAL APPARATUS FOR MOTORKVEHICLES Filed June 27, 1951 4 sheets-sheet C. RINGWALD SAFETY SIGNAL ISPARATUS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES ISept. 29, 1953A 4 sheets-sheet 2 Filed June 27. 1951 Sept. 29, 1953 c'. RINGwALD SAFETY SIGNAL APPARATUS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES Filed June 27, 1951 4 sheets-sheet 5 Jem/0L' 6762x6226@ jfszzaafc j l M m Sept. 29, 1953 c. RINGWALD SAFETY SIGNAL APPARATUS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES Filed June 27, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet, 4

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SAFETY SIGNAL APPARATUS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES Clarence Ringwald, Springfield, Ohio Application June 27, 1951, Serial No. 233,827

8 Claims. 1

This invention relates to Visual signals, their association in an electrical circuit, and the control medium therefor, particularly as related to motor vehicles, such as school busses or the like, for indicating, through selective energization and operation of such signals, the intentions of the operator of such a vehicle.

Briefly, 1 contemplate a combined warning and turn indicating signal system for particular use on school busses or a like class of motorized vehicles, by which the operator of such a vehicle is equipped to indicate turning movements of his vehicle, as well as ilash a series of warning and stop signals as he selects; both the turning and warning signals constituting ilashing incandescent lamps, but the selective controls therefor' being so arranged that no conilict in their flashing visual attraction ensues during the simultaneous operation thereof.

An important object of this invention is to provide an improved signalling system which will effectively indicate the intentions of the operator of a motorized vehicle, such as a bus, to insure greater safety in its operation along the highway, especially in conveying such intentions of the bus operator to operators of other vehicles.

Another important object of this invention is to provide an operating circuit embodying a plurality of electrical devices whereby an operator of a school bus or a like motor vehicle is enabled f`f to flash turn signal or warning and stop signal lights, individually or simultaneously, with a minimum of eiort, so as to indicate his operational intentions to operators of other motor vehicles on the highway.

Still another object of this invention is to disclose a means for simultaneously operating a pair of cam operated signal breakers with a single motor driven cam, whereby said breakers, in conjunction with a circuit relay, are adapted automent of the vehicle.

` therewith;

Figure 4 is a schematic view displaying the control switch mechanism of Figure 3 in front elevation, and indicating its circuit connection with connective terminals associated with the motor driven signal breaker switch unit, which is shown in partial end elevation in this figure;

Figure 5 is an enlarged partial front elevation of the unit containing the cam operated signal breakers, the terminal connectors for such breakers and a schematic wiring diagram showing the electrical connection of the signal breakers in their respective signal lamp circuits;

Figure 6 is a developed end elevational View of the unit shown in Figure 5 looking at the left hand end thereof; and

Figure 'l is an end elevational View of the signal breaker unit shown in Figure 5, displaying the left-hand end of such unit as it appears in Figure 5, with the cover thereof removed to reveal the internal disposition of the cam operated signal breakers therein.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings wherein is set forth the general schematic wiring diagram-of my signal control circuit as applied to a school bus or a like motor vehicle, it will be observed that a plurality of turn signal lights I0, II, I2, and I3 are arranged for mounting to the vehicle, preferably twc on the front exterior and two on the rear exterior at the four corners of the vehicle, for signalling the turning movements of the vehicle. Lights IIJ and II, illustrated in Fig. l, are adapted to be mounted at front and rear corner positions on the vehicle and indicate, when energized, left turning move- Similarly, lamps I2 and I3 are correspondingly mounted on the right front and rear corners of the vehicle for indicating right turning movements thereof.

Additionally, four warning lights M, I5, I6 and I1 are provided; lights I4 and I 6 being mountable in spaced relation on the front of the Vehicle, and lights I5 and Il similarly mountable on the rear thereof at a suitable position for readyobservation by operators of other vehicles on the highway. A pair of stop lights I8 and |`9 are also provided, such being normally adapted for mounting on the rear of the vehicle, one near either rear corner thereof to indicate stopping of the Vehicle. Although additional or fewer lights than those listed above may be utilized, as desired, the ten lights listed so far will serve to amply illustrate the advantages of a typical bus lighting system controlled in a manner to be disclosed herein, according to the teachings of my invention.

The various lights referred to heretofore are preferably of an electrical incandescent lamp variety designed to be intermittently :energized to create a ashing eye attracting appearance, with the Various lamps indicating turning, warning and stop signals being covered 'with glass or plastic lenses having such :colors eas amber, White, and red, respectively, or other colors as desired.

To control the illumination of the various lamps -in a desired'sequenca have provided a dual turn signal and Warning lamp control switch '25 'mountable vto the vehicle steeringcolumn for -a ready'accessibility to the operator.

I have also provided a 'new and improved asher means for Aflashing the lights `by means of intermittent velectrical venergization, such means Vbeing 'indicated generally at 2| and com.- 'prising a turning lamp signal breaker 22 and a warning lamp signal breaker 23, a ycommon cam operator 24 therefor, an 'electrical motor 25 having driving 'connection with the operating cam 24, Aa multiple -Acontact vsolenoid switching unit 26 and acircuitbreaker or 'fuse 21; a battery Asource of electrical potential 30 being utilized to energize the lamps. Additionally, various Vpush button, plunger or similar types of `remote vcontrol switches 3|, '32 and 33 are provided to operate the warning lamps and flashing stop lamps under various-circumstances. ln this klatter connection, switch 3|, foreXample, may be utilized to operate the ywarning lights upon depression of vthe brake pedal; switch 32 upon `opening the door to 'discharge va passenger; and switch 33 upon actuation of a familiar mechanical semaphore style Aof `stop indicator. Other switches of this latter type may, of course, be utilized 'for automatic energization Vof the warning and stop lamps to indicate other operating conditions of the vbus as desired, their number and purpose, 4as indicated herein, being for illustrative purposes only.

vReferring now specifically 'to the grounded type circuit diagram of Figure 1, 'itw'ill be lrec'- ognized that the battery source of electrical potential has its negative side grounded as at 40 by connection to the vehicle chassis or the like and its positive side connected directly by conductor 4| to the circuit breaker or fuse 21. From the circuit breaker 2'1, the circuit from battery is divided, and for simplicity lI shall initially describe the circuit for energizingthe turn signal lamps Ill-I3. 'From fuse 21 one branch conductor 42 connects fuse 21 in series with operating contact arms 43, vassociated with a manual turn signal lever '44, for operating a double throw, three pole turn lsignal switch 45 housed in the'combined manually operable Vturn and warning signal switch unit 20, Which Vis mounted on the steering column of the vehicle. Leading from the center pole 46 of the turn signal switch 45, 'conductor 41 connects 'in series with the cam operated breaker control motor 25 via an additional 'branchconductor 48 which, in turn, is connected to the'windinigs '49 of the i motor and a ballast coil 55, with one side of the motor being connected to ground as at 5|. Additionally, a secondary pole 52 of the turn signal switch 45 is connected by conductor 53 to one terminal 55 of the cam actuated turn signal breaker 22. A third pole 56 of switch 45 is similarly electrically connected to a second terminal 51 oi the turn signal breaker 22 by conductor 58. By this arrangement, movement of the manual contact arm 44 and contacts 43 thereon of the turn signal switch 45,

"to bridge poles 46 and 52 or poles 46 and 56 of the :switch 45, will cause completion of the `circuit from battery through the central terminal 46 of the switch 45 to energize the motor '25, which axially rotates cam l24 via an armature worm shaft 60 and worm gear 6| to cause Vintermittent interruption of the turn signal 'circuit selected by the turn signal selector lever 44 is moved upwardly, in Figure l, so as to :bridge the poles or contacts 52 and 46 of the lswitch 45, the motor 215 will `be 'energized through switch -45 via conductor -41 Iand 48, and terminal 55 of breaker-22 will be -energized Vthrough conductor 53. Conversely, if the selector lever Vdll bridges poles 46 and V56, the motor 25 will again be energized through switch via conductors -41 and '48, rand terminal -51 of `the-breaker 22 will befenergized through convductor 56. It will be seen that 'terminal 55 Aof the yswitch breaker 22 is provided with a single contact 63 l'and that a resilient `spring 'contact arm '64 leads therefrom 'to an external breaker connective terminal 65 mounted at vone vside 'of 'the cam lbreaker unit 22. From connector terminaa conductor 66 Aconnects with the turn signal 'lamps l! `'and lfl, each of which has one side thereof connected to ground, as -at 61 and 68, respectively, with lthe lamps being connected Ain parallel from conductor 66. Thus, it will be recognized that if 4terminal 55 of breaker '232 is energized and the spring contact arm A64 rests against contact 63 ofthe terminal 55, lights I0 and will "be energized. Likewise, terminal 51 of the Vbreaker unit 22 is provided with a single contact 16; such AbeingL positioned on the yoppo- -side of terminal 5-1 :from contact 63 on terminal 55. A second resilient contact arm 1| connects contact 16 in circuit with a second external connective terminal 12 V'on the breaker 22. From terminal 12 a lconductor 13 is Iconnected with the turn signal lamps l2 and |3,

'such vbeing again connected in parallel relation `and having -one side thereof connected to round, as at 14 and 15, respectively, so that if 'terminal 51 'of vbreaker 22 is-energized and contact yarm 1| is -restin'g'against contact1|l thereof, signal lamps l2 and I3 will Vbe energized. It

Yfurther will be recognized, from enlarged vligure 6 of the drawings, that the eccentric 24 is mounted between lthe resilient contact arms 64 and 1| 'on Van eccentrically positioned shaft 8'0, so that rotation of eccentric 24 serves to periodically separate the contact arms 64 vand 1| from their respective contacts 63 and 10, thus causing van intermittent energiza'tion to their Vrespective 'turn signal lamps ID and and I2 and |3 to give these lamps periodic energization and a flashing interrupted appearance in use.

To indicate-to the bus operator whether or not 'his turn signal switch is operating properly, I have lprovided a dash or steering column 'pilot light 6|, which, as is shown in Figure 3, conveniently may be associated with the dual "turn signal and warning signal control switch mounting unit 20. The lamp 8l is herein shown as a high resistance type and is connected across the terminals 65 and 12 of the breaker unit 22 by parallel connection via conductor 82, as seen in Figure 1.

It Will be observed that if, for instance, terminal 55 of the circuit breaker 20 is energized by having the contact arms 43 bridging terminals .46 and 52 of the turn signal switch 05, then conductor 02 is energized to light bulb 9| through the connector terminal 65 when the circuit breaker arm 60 is contacting contact 03; the circuit through lamp 8| being completed to ground through the external terminal 'i2 oi the breaker unit 22, IVia the turn signal lamp conductor 13 to the opposite or deenergized set cf turn indicator lamps I3 and I4, and thence to ground at I4 or 15. In this connection, it should be recognized that because of the high resistance characteristics of the lamp 8|, the current flow through conductor 13 is insufficient to energize either of the lamps I2 or |3 suiiciently to cause them to visably light up when the circuit to ground for lamp is completed therethrough. Conversely, if the right-hand turn signal lamps |2 and I3 are energized, as explained heretofore, the pilot light 8| will correspondingly give forth a flashing signal completing its circuit to ground via conductor 6B to the left-hand turn signal lamps l0 and Il, and thence to ground at 61 and B8.

Coming now to the second circuit system embodied in the schematic circuit diagram of Figure 1 which comprises the means for intermittently energizing the alternating Warning lamps |4-|1 and the flashing stop lights |8 and I9, it will be observed from that figure that the second branch of the circuit from battery, after the fuse or circuit breaker 21, comprises a conductor 90 which leads to the multiple contact solenoid switching unit 26 where it connects in series with a solenoid coil 9| surrounding a movable core 92 of the solenoid unit 26. The solenoid unit is constructed with a pair of upright contact arms 93 and 94 bridged near their lower reaches by a transversely disposed slide bar member 95 having sliding connection with each of the Contact arms 93 and 94 for movement relative thereto and rigidly fastened to one end of the core member 92 for movement therewith. A coil spring 96 interconnects the lower ends of the two contact arms 93 and 94, thereby to normally bias their upper ends apart, with the slide bar member 95 acting as a pivotal support in this action. At the upper end of each of the contact arms 93 and 90 is mounted a movable contact; contact 91 being associated with slide member 93 and contact 98 similarly associated with slide meinber 94. A conductor |00 also connects conductor 90 with the framing of the unit 26 to permit energization of its contact arms 93 and 90, current being carried between the two arms -via slide bar 95. Adjacent each of the contact members 91 and 90 are other stationary Contact members 99 and |00, respectively. Contact |00 is connected in circuit with conductor 48, which, as described heretofore, leads to the windings 49 of the motor 25 through the ballast coil 50 associated therewith. Contact 99, on the other hand, is in circuit with the second or warning lamp cam actuated breaker unit 23 by means of conductor |02, which connects with the single incoming terminal |03 thereof. The solenoid coil 9|, associated with the solenoid unit 26, is also connected to the Warning Vlamp `switch housed in the dual signal switch unit 20 by means of a conductor |06, which connects with one pole |01 of the warming lamp switch. Circuit through the warning lamp switch |05 is completed upon movement of the contact arm |08 thereof to bridge the terminal |01 with the second terminal |09, which, in turn, is grounded as at |0. It will thus be seen that the circuit from battery through the solenoid unit 26 and switch |05 includes the conductor 4|, circuit breaker 21, conductor 90, solenoid coil 9|, conductor |00, terminal |01 of the warning lamp switch |05, terminal |09 thereof and the ground connection I|0. The circuit from battery to warning signal circuit breaker' unit 23 includes conductor 4|, circuit breaker or fuse 21, conductor 90, conductor |00, contact arm 93 and slide bar 95, contacts 91 and 99, and conductor |02 to terminal |03. The circuit from battery to motor 25 for energizing the latter to cause interruption of the warning and stop lights includes conductor 4|, circuit breaker 21, conductor |00, Contact arm 94, contacts 99 and |00, and conductor i9 to ballast coil 50 and motor winding 09 of the motor 25.

The warning lamp signal breaker unit 23 is again actuated, as signal breaker by the common cam member 24, as was described in connection with the turn signal breaker 22; the warning lamp signal breaker 23 being provided with a pair of resilient Contact arms I i and l l2, each leading to external connective terminals I|3 and H13, respectively, and having contact with the incoming terminal |03 of the circuit breaker via a pair of separated contact buttons ||5 and ||6 associated with the terminal |03. A conductor i1 leads from the external connective terminal H3 of the warning lamp breaker unit 23 to one pair of warning lamps lli and l5, with the circuit therethrough being completed to ground as at ||8 and |50, respectively. Likewise, a second conductor 20 leads from connective terminal IIli to the opposite pair of warning lamps |6 and I1, which are connected to ground as at |2| and |22, respectively. In a similar fashion, flashing stop lights I0 and i9 are connected to terminal IIS of the warning lamp circuit breaker 23 by means of conductor |25, with each of the lamps I8 and I9 being grounded as at |26 and |21, respectively.

It will be recognized, that to energize the warning lamps I4 through I1 and the stop lights |8 and |9, it is first necessary to throw the selective lever |08 of the warning lamp switch |05 downwardly, as viewed in Figure 1, whereby contacts |01 and |09 thereof are closed or bridged. This action permits current to flow along conductor 4| through circuit breaker 21 and conductor to energize the solenoid coil 9|, and thence via conductor |06 to terminal |01 which is closed with terminal |09, and thence to ground at ||0 to complete the circuit. It will be recognized that energization of the solenoid coil 9| causes the core member 92 thereof to move upwardly, carrying therewith the horizontal cross connecting slide member 95 to bring contacts 91 and 98 into closed contact relation with their resepective contacts 99 and |00. This latter closure of the contacts 91 through |00 permits current to flow from conductor 90 through conductor |04, into contact arms 93 and 94 and cross connecting slide arm 95, through closed contacts 91 through |00, along conductor |02 to terminal |03 of the warning lamp breaker unit 23 and along conductor 48 through motor 25, and

thence .to ground at As demonstrated '-in Figure 1, upon the energization of conductor |02, if

both contact arms and |312 were `closed with their contacts ||5 and IIB associated with terminal |03 of the breaker 'unit 23, then current would'be allowed to flow throughconductors I I-1, and |25 to their respective lamps l|4-I'5, |6-|1, and |8-l9. However, because of the `energization of the motor 25, cam member 24'is caused to rotate axially with shaft `80, 'thereby -causing an alternating making and breaking of the contacts I5 and ||6 with their associated vcontact arms I|`I and ||2; this latter resulting `to the circuit connection of pilot light 8|, heretofore described, pilot light v|29 is connected across the terminals I3 and I i4 ofthe circuit breaker unit 23 by means of conductor |30. Again pilot light |29 is a high resistance type'which is fed through conductor |30 from whichever ofthe terminals I I3 `or ||4 is energized, depending on the position of rotation 'of the cam member or eccentric 2li. Likewise, completion of the circuit through pilot light |29, similar to the .circuit of pilot light 8|, is accomplished through'the ground connection associated with the sets of warning lamps I4 and |5 or I6 and 1, andthe iiashing stop lights |`8 and I9; the current v"flowing from the pilot light |29 through'the ground connection of whichever of said sets of warning lamps or stop lights are deenergized .as determined by the rotated position ofcammember 24.

Also associated with the warning` and vstop light circuit, described above, .are the remote control switches 3|, 32 and 33. As mentioned previously, the remote control switches 3| and 33 are preferably of the push button typeand are associated with such mechanical .operations as .depression of the brake, opening of the door, or raising of a mechanical semaphore warning signal. As will be recognized from Figure l, each of the switches 3|, 32 and 33 is connected to iconductor |051of the -warningllamplcircuit :by respective conductors |3I, :|32 yand |33 iand to ground, vrrespectively,fat |34, and |35. .Alternately, the switches 3| through-33 fnray be of `an insulated type rather `than :of "a .grounded .type, asthey are illustrated inFigure 1; this alternate arrangement is represented fby VFigure i2 .of the drawings and which willbe explained more'fully presently herein. 'Referring again to Figure f1, it will vbe seen that theactuation `of the warning and stop light lamps may vbe accomplished by the closing of the icircuit to lground .through any one'ofthe switches 3| ^through-33. orxex-v ample, if switch v3| be closed, :the .circuit :from battery 30 will `include conductor -f4|, 'circuit breaker 21, conductor 19m-.solenoid :coil 19|, conductor ISI, switch `3| vand ground connection |34; thisiportion ofthe circuit*permittingcactuation of ythe solenoid .core 92 upwardly to Vclose contacts .91 through .1109. Associated :with con'- ductor 90, Vas explainedLheretofore, .is 5a second-- ary :conductor 04 leading therefrom to fcrossibar 95 for the ele'ctrical'energization iof Ithe contact arms 193 and '94, `which .permits ienergiza'tion of motor T25 and terminal |02 fof kv.the :breaker unit 23 on therclosure ofthe contacts :9-1 through |00 in -response vto upward vmovementof the solenoid core `r92. The flashing energization of the warning andstop lights will occur, as heretofore described, through conductors |I1, |20 Yand |25 in conjunction with the rotative actuation of cam memberf24.

Referring to the alternate partial circuit plan as laid Vout in Figure 2 Aof the drawings, wherein switches 3|, 32, and'33 are shown as of the insulated variety, it will be recognized that the circuit through Ethewarning and stop lights may be energized by the depression vof any `of the switches numbered .3| through 33 as before. Forexample, if switch 3| in Figure 2 is closed, 4the circuit from battery to Yflashing warning llamps and stop lights Vwill include conductor 4|, circuit'breaker21, a newly introduced conductor |38, conductor |39 leading to switch`3I, conductor "|3I yleading to conductor |06, solenoid coil v9| and alternate ground connection |I0a. Also included in the circuit, to permit energization ofthe warning lamp breaker `unit 23 and `motor 25 from battery, will be conductor 91|, .circuit breaker `21, conductor V90, conductor |09, vcon- -tact arms 93 and94 .and slide'bar '95, contacts j91 through |09 and -conductor -48 to motor 25, and conductor |02 to circuit breaker 23. VIf switches 32 and 33 are :to be actuated, conductors .VI-40 and |l||, similar to conductor |39, connects such switches to the newly introduced conductor |33, thereby topermitpassagef of the energyfrom conductor il through conductor A|39 and switches l32 land 33 ina similar manner. Also. with the alternate circuit-demonstratedrin Figure 2, bridging 'of the poles 4H11-andi 09 by the selector lever |08 'associa-ted with warning lamp switch |'051p`ermits completion 'of the circuits to the warning and stop lights, like before. 11n this latter instance, thercircuit to `the stop and warning lamps will include `the battery 30, conductor 23|, circuit breaker 21, newly :introduced conductor |31, terminal |01, selector lever |95, terminal MSL-conductor |06, solenoid coil `9| and core 92, and the valternate :ground connection Htc. Energization of Vcontacts 91"through |00 is .again .permittedthrough conductor 4|, circuit breaker 21, conductor '90, conductor |04, contact xarms 93 .and 94 :and .slide bar .95, as before, whereby conductor 43 .leading ito motor .'25 and yconductor 1|02 leading to `warning lamp -breaker unit i123 :are energized, as described heretofore.

.Referring .n'ow specifically to `Figures 4 through 6 of the drawings, wh'erein'thephysical .embodiments .of the steering column, dualwarning lamp and turn indicating lampswitch unit 20 and the warningand turn signal lamp circuit breaker or flasher unit 2| is illustrated, it will be recognized, from `Figure i4, 'that the dual turn rand warning signal lamp switch .unit v20 .comprises an outer housing |50 suitably formed so as to yhouse the turn signaland warning signal switches 45 and |05, respectively. The selective 'manual control and contact levers "44 and |93 .are also associated with the housing |50, each projecting outwardly thereof for manual accessibility 'and having one end suitably'j'ournaled in .housing |50 for :operative Vassociation `with their respective switches. In .this .latter connection, it will be recognized, with reference to Figures 4 and V5, that'the control lever 44 is limited inits arcuate throw `by apair of upwardly projecting vertical post-members '|5I, against which the lever 44 Lis Amoved in selectively .bridging the dual lpoles `of the switch 45,.suchfas poles 49,52 `and 45, 56. -fSimilarly, selective lever |08, associated with warning lamp signal switch |05, is provided with downwardly projecting stop post members |52 which limit the arcuate travel of the lever |08 in bridging the poles |01 and |09 of the warning lamp switch |05. The housing |50 is further provided with a clamping means |53 for mounting such to steering column 54 of the motorized vehicle to which the equipment herein described is to be mounted. Pilot lamps 3| and |29, indicating respectively the operation of the turn and warning signal lamps, are mounted in housing |50, such being visable to the driver from the upper surface of the housing |50, as specically illustrated in Figure 3.

Referring again to Figures 4, 5, and 6 of the drawings, it will be recognized that the flasher unit 2|, therein illustrated, comprises an integral cast outer housing |60 having a left-hand end plate |61 and a right-hand end plate |62, as viewed in Figure 5. The circuit breaker or fuse 21 is mounted above the housing |60 and to the right-hand end plate |62; having terminals |63 and |64 projecting through plate |62 for connection with circuit conductors, as illustrated in the schematic wiring diagram of Figure 1. Likewise, as clearly illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the contact acuating solenoid unit 26 is mounted within housing |60 and on the inside of cover plate |62, so as to have connective terminals |65 and |66 project outwardly through such cover plate for circuit connection, as described heretofore. The motor 25 is adapted to be mounted below the housing |60, being vertically suspended by a mounting bracket |66 which is fitted with a vertical anged portion |61 for connection to housing |60 and an additional flange |60 for mounting the bracket and flasher unit to a suitable panel or the like associated with the vehicle to which my equipment is attached. The armature shaft 60 of motor 25 projects upwardly into the hollowed out interior of housing |60 and is provided with suitable worm gear threads |10, as illustrated clearly in Figure 5. rPhe Worm threads |10, of course, are adapted for driving engagement with the worm gear 6| which, in turn, is mounted on horizontal shaft 80 for rotative axial movement transversely to the rotational axis of armature shaft 60 by a downwardly depending journalling bracket and bearing member |1|, also illustrated in Figure 5 as being inside housing |60. The eccentric 24, of course, is journaled on the left-hand end of shaft 80, as illustrated clearly in Figure 6 of the drawings, such being adapted for simultaneously actuating the two breaker units 22 and 23, as described heretofore. The breaker unit 22 has its external terminals 55, 51, 65 and 12 projecting outwardly of the left-hand end of the flasher housing |66 to provide easy accessibility thereto in connecting the various conductors set forth in Figure l with that breaker. Likewise, breaker unit 23 has eX- ternal terminals |03, ||3 and H4 projecting outwardly from the flasher unit housing |60. By virtue of the unique and compact arrangement of the asher unit 2|, l'. am enabled to mount therein both of the breaker units 22 and 23, the solenoid unit 26, and the circuit breaker or fuse 21, so that these various devices in the circuit, set forth in Figure l, may be associated in close relation as a single mountable unit, along with the driving motor 25, thereby to give great compactness and simplicity of installation to these devices. It further will be recognized that, by virtue of the single motor 25 driving an eccentric 24 mounted to a single shaft 80, I am enabled to simultaneously operate the turn signal and warning signal lamp breaker units 22 and 23, respectively, to give a maximum synchronization of the desired flashing energzation of the warning, turn, and stop lights in my circuit arrangement.

A study of the breaker unit 22, as illustrated in Figure l, will demonstrate that as the eccentric 24 is rotated in between the resilient contact leaves 64 and 1| thereof, the contacts 10 and 63 are alternately closed and opened to give a flashing appearance to the Various turn lights l0 through I3, with only one set of turn lamps I0 and il or l2 and I3 being energized at one time, depending upon the disposition of the selective turn lever 46 associated with turn signal switch 45. Further, inspection of the breaker unit 23, as illustrated in Figure 1, will demonstrate that rotation of the eccentric 2f! also alternately opens and closes contacts I5 and H6, thereby to cause corresponding flashing of the warning lights on opposite sides of the bus, as desired. In this latter connection, it is important to note that the warning lamp breaker and turn signal breaker contacts are so arranged, relative to eccentric 2li, that it is impossible, upon simultaneous energization of both the turn signal and warning signal lamps, for the warning lights and turn signal lights on the same side of the bus to be energized together. This latter feature greatly reduces confusion to an observer of the lights, such as an operator of another vehicle on the highway, thus permitting immediate recognition of the intentions of the driver of a bus upon which my system is installed. It will further be recognized from Figure 1, that the flashing stop lights |23 and i9 are adapted for actuation only with the energization of the flashing warning lamps I4 and l5, although such an arrangement is purely optional, since it is equally feasible to actuate the stop lights with the warning lamps |6 and |1 or with both sets of warning lamps as desired. It will further be observed that by virtue of the installation of such optional control switches 3| through 33, operation of the warning and stop lights i4 through 9 may take place optionally as by opening the bus door, pressing on the brake pedal, raising a visual semaphore stop signal or like related functions of the bus.

Thus, it will be observed that I have provided an easy and convenient means whereby it is possible to control two or more electrical circuits for the energization of ashing signal lamps associated with a school bus or a like motorized vehicle, in particular one circuit directed to the energize.- tion of flashing turn signal lamps, a second circuit directed to the energization of flashing warning lamps, and a third circuit adapted for the energization of ilashing stop lamps or the lil/ze. Further, by virtue of my signal breaker arrangement or asher unit wherein the ilashing breaker units for the turn signal lamps and warning signal lamps are actuated oif a common eccentrically mounted cam, the dashing of incandescent lamps and the circuits to be controlled thereby is easily gained with means being provided for the automatic independent or simultaneous energization of at least two independent signal lamp circuits thereby. Further, as related to this latter feature, by virtue of the construction of the eccentrically driven flasher breaker units, as herein taught, a simple expedient for controlling the flashing turn signal and warning lamps is provided whereby, upon simultaneous actuation of lli the two separated circuita. a. minimum off con-v fusion will ensue; intheobservation offv suchlamps..

since, at no time, will both the.- warning:f and signal lamps on. the; same. side of the.- busi beA energized simultaneously. Further,J ity will' bev ap,-

preciated thati while I; have hereinV illustrated a:

single eccentric actuating two breaker units, thereby to cause thefflashing. energization. of the lamps; associated with such breakers; additional..

breaker units maybe mounted about the same,

eccentric wherebyl further circuits and signal.

lamps. may likewise be energizedto meet the various conditionsof warning stop andturnV light signals as desired, andas required by the various.

restrictions and laws of the several states. More.-

over, it will be recognizedthat the circuitherein,

user, although the specific circuit herein illus-l trated is intended tofdemonstratefatypcalcircuit designed to meet the operating conditions.. of aV typical bus or like vehicleirr which such. a circuit and control system is tobe installed..

WhileAI have herein. demonstratedone form in which the teachingsof myv inventionmay'occur, it readily4 will be recognized that numerous changes, modifications and substitutionsv of equivalents may be made thereiniwithout departing from the spirit and scope ci my invention; I, therefore, do not Wish to be restricted to the specific embodiment herein.-V described, except as may appear in the following appended claims.

Iclaim:

1. In an electrical signal system for use with a source of electrical energy., a first incandescentlamp, a second incandescent lamp, a first circuit connecting said rst lamp` with: said-.source oi energy and.` comprising. a cam actuated cir.- cuit breaker, a motor for actuatingl said circuit breaker, andselectivercontrolf switch means for selectively energizing. said first circuit; a second circuit connecting saidsecond. lamp with said source of electrical: energy and. comprisingV an. electrically responsive contact operating so lenoid unit, aV second camV actuatedv circuit breaker, said motor, and a second selectiveI controly switch means for manually controlling said second circuit; said motor being common to and controlled byv both ofl saidA circuits and rotatively driving a single cam common to. both of. said circuit breakers thereby to.. cause; periodic illumination. of said twoV lamps when theirV asso,- ciated circuits are energized.

2. In an electricalA signal system for use with a source-oi. electrical energy., a rstincandescent lamp, a second incandescent lamp, a1 first circuit connecting said first lamp with saidv source of electrical energy comprising a cam actuated circuit breaker, a motor for actuatingi said circuit breaker, and a selective; control' switch means for selectively energizing. said' first circuit; a second circuit connecting said second lamp with said source of: electrical energy comprising an electrically responsive multiple con-A tact operating solenoid unit, asecond cam actuated circuit breaker, saidy motor, anda second selective control switch means for selectively energizing said second circuit; a single eccentric cam common to both of said circuit breakers and ro-V tatably driven by said motor to actuate said circuit breakers, wth each of said circuit breakers serving to cause periodic energization or"v said lamp associated. in circuit therewith, and.- Said" two. breakers; being; sorelated to said eccentricv as to cause; a; synchronized alternate periodic. energizationr of said tWo'lamps when both of said. circuits are energized.

3. A signal system in a motorized' vehicle and for use with a; source of electricalenergy, comprising a plurality o; electrically operatedv sig,- nal: devices mountable adiacentthe four corners off said vehicle and. anadditional plurality of. signal devices: mountable onv the. front. and rear and on opposite sides oi said vehicle intermediate.v said; corner positioned. signal devices, Yone circuit connecting. said corner positioned signal. devices with. said; source oi electricalv energy, a second circuit likewise.` connecting: saidi inter.- mediate positioned signal. devices to. said source of. energy, switch means in each. of' said` circuits. between said source oi electrical energy and' said several'. signal. devicesV for selectively controlling the energizati'on. oi said. corner positioned and'. intermediateI positioned signals so that said-1 two circuits may be energizedindividually and. simultaneously, and motorized cam actuated circuit breakerv means common. to said two circuits for causing interrupted energization or" said corner and: intermediate positioned signal devices simultaneously and individually, said: switch and circuitv breaker meansZ being so synchronized astov permit only the simultaneous energization oi' said corner and. intermediate positioned signal' devices which are located on unlike sides of saidVV Vehicle..

4f., A signal system.y for use in a motorized vehicle. and having connection with a source of electrical energy comprising, a, plurality of' electrically responsive incandescent signal' lamps mountable adjacent. the four corners oi said vehicle, an additionall plurality of incandescent signal' lamps mounted onv the frontand rear and on opposite sides oi said: vehicle; but intermediateY said corner positioned signal lamp-s, a first circuit. connecting said corner positioned signal lamps with said' source of electrical. energy, a second circuit likewise connecting said. intermediate signal; lamps to said' source of electrical energy, selectiveV controly switch. means in said iirst circuit` between said source of electrical energy and said first mentioned signal. lamps for selectively controlling the energization oi. the latter, a secondi selective control switch means in saidi secondV circuit between said source oi electrical energy and said intermediate posi.-

tioned signal lamps for selectively controlling the energization of said intermediate positioned signal lamps, an electromagnetic multiple contact solenoid' unit in said. second circuit, an electric motor common to both of said circuits, a pair of cam operated circuit breakers, one in each of said. circuits; both circuit breakers being adapted foractuation by av common eccentric cam means which is rotatably driven byA said motor. whereby said two circuits may be energized either individually or simultaneously with said circuit breakers serving to cause interrupted energization of saidcorner and intermediate position lamps; said circuit breakers being so synchronized and related with respect to said eccentric cam as to. cause alternate periodic ilvlumination of.' said corner and intermediateV po- 1 sitioned lamps when their respective circuits are energized simultaneously.

5. In an automotive vehicleis electrical signal system for use withv a source of electrical energy; a rst set of incandescent turn signal lamps, a second set of incandescentwarning signal lamps,

a rst electrical circuit for energizingly connecting said turn signal lamps with said source of electrical energy, comprising, a cam actuated circuit breaker, an electric motor for actuating said circuit breaker, and a manually operable selective control switch means for selectively controlling the energization of said first circuit and said associated turn signal lamps; a second circuit for energizingly connecting said warning signal lamps with said source of electrical energy, comprising, an electrically responsive solenoid means adapted to operate a plurality of circuit closing contacts, a cam actuated circuit breaker, said electric motor, and a manually operable selective control switch for selectively controlling the energization of said second circuit and its associated warning signal lamps; said motor being common to both of said circuits and the energization thereof being controlled by either or both of said selective control switches with said cam actuated circuit breakers operating from a common cam driven by said motor to cause periodic energization of said two sets of lamps associated respectively therewith.

6. An electric signal system for use with a source of electrical energy in an automotive vehicle, comprising in combination, a plurality of visual turn signal lamps connected in circuit with said source of electrical energy, said turn signal lamp circuit comprising a cam actuated circuit breaker, an electric motor for rotatably driving a cam associated with said circuit breaker, and a manually operable selective control switch for regulating the energization of said turn signal circuit; a plurality of visual warning signal lamps and a plurality of visual stop signal lamps connected by a second circuit with said source of electrical energy, said second circuit comprising a second cam actuated circuit breaker having separated contacts independently related in circuit with the warning and stop signal lamps, said electric motor for rotatably driving said cam which is common to both of said circuit breakers, a multiple contact operating solenoid switching unit controlling circuit energization of said motor and second circuit breaker, a second manually operable selective control switch and a plurality of remote control switches each for regulating independently the energization of said solenoid unit said motor being energized in either of said circuits by circuit closing actuation of said switches contained respectively therein, and said two circuit breakers serving to cause periodic illumination of the lamps in circuit therewith, such circuit breakers being so synchronized and interrelated with said common motor driven cam as to cause alternate periodic illumination of said lamps when both of said circuits are energized.

7. An electrical signal system of the class described for use with a motor vehicle and adapted to be energized by a source of electrical potential, comprising a plurality of incandescent signal lamps, a rst circuit connecting a first set of said lamps with said source of potential. a second circuit connecting a second set of said lamps with said source of electric potential, a selective control switch in said rst circuit for selectively energizing said first set of lamps, a cam actuated circuit breaker in said rst circuit for causing a periodic energization of said first set of lamps, an additional selective control switch in said second circuit for selectively controlling the energization thereof, a second cam actuated circuit breaker in said second circuit for causing the periodic illumination of said second set of lamps, a solenoid unit constructed and arranged to control energization of said second circuit breaker, and an electric motor common to both of said circuits adapted to rotatably drive a single cam common to both of said circuit breakers, said motor being energized upon the closure of either or both of said control switches with the periodic energization of said two sets of lamps occurring alternately when both of said switches are closed.

8. In an electrical signal system of the class described for use with a source of electrical energy, a iirst turn signal lamp, a second warning signal lamp, a first circuit connecting said first lamp with said source of electrical energy and comprising a cam actuated circuit breaker, an electric motor for actuating said circuit breaker, a pilot light having a high resistance filament, and a manually operable selective control switch means for selectively energizing said rst circuit; a second circuit connecting said second lamp with said source of electrical energy comprising an electrically responsive contact operating solenoid unit, a second cam actuating circuit breaker, said electric motor, said second circuit breaker being energizable after contact closing operation of said solenoid unit, a second pilot lamp having a high resistance lament, and a second manually operable selective control switch means for selectively energizing said second circuit; said motor being common to both of said circuits and rotatably driving a single cam common to both of said circuit breakers thereby to cause periodic energization and flashing illumination of said turn and warning signal lamps associated respectively with said two circuit breakers, each of said pilot lights in said two circuits being illuminated in an interrupted periodic mannery illumination thereof being controlled by said circuit breakers and occurring when the signal lamp associated respectively, in circuit therewith, is deenergized as determined by according actuation of its associated circuit breaker.

CLARENCE RINGWALD.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,090,332 ONeil Aug. 17, 1937 2,122,508 Bell July 5, 1938 2,358,332 Kennett Sept. 19, 1944 

